Elastomeric Cable Tray Connector with Elastic Bending Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for connecting cable trays at an angle either have high manufacturing costs due to complex mechanical articulations or interfere with cables during installation.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece plastic linking part with a plate-shaped section capable of elastic bending, allowing for a variable direction change angle of at least 30 degrees, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying installation while preventing cable interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical articulation is used to allow variable direction change angle, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the linking part from rigid to flexible by using an elastomeric material. This allows the central portion to elastically deform and accommodate variable direction change angles without requiring mechanical articulations, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical articulation system with an elastomeric flexible linking part that uses elastic deformation to achieve the same functional effect. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining the ability to provide variable direction change angles
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical articulation is used to allow variable direction change angle, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastomeric, which fundamentally simplifies the manufacturing process. The flexible linking part can be manufactured as a single piece using elastomeric molding techniques, eliminating the need for complex assembly of multiple components required by mechanical articulation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate components (rigid end portions and articulation mechanism) into a single integrated elastomeric linking part. This consolidation reduces manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and overall production complexity, thereby improving ease of manufacture
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid one-piece plastic part is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid plastic to elastomeric material, which enables the linking part to elastically deform. This allows a single-piece construction to simultaneously maintain manufacturing simplicity and gain adaptability for variable direction change angles through elastic bending of the central portion
4Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical articulation is used, then the variable direction change angle is achieved, but the harmful factors increase due to cable snagging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical articulation system with an elastomeric flexible linking part that uses elastic deformation to achieve variable direction change angles. This substitution eliminates protruding mechanical components that could snag cables, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing harmful factors
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables cost-effective, easy installation of cable tray connections with a secure fastening mechanism that avoids cable snagging, maintaining the direction change angle without risking damage or permanent deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the central portion of said linking part comprises a plate-shaped section sized such that it is capable of experiencing elastic bending providing a variation of at least 30 degrees, preferably at least 40 degrees, in the direction change angle
Implementation Method 2
the elastic bending of the central portion of said linking part provides an elastic return force that contributes to securing the fastening of said linking part to the cable trays
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for connecting two cable trays at an angle, consisting of a linking part (1A) for linking the ends of the cable trays comprising two rigid end portions (3A) intended for being fitted with an end portion (4A) of a cable tray (5A). The two rigid end portions (3A) comprise a planar base (8A) intended for being supported on a corresponding planar surface (9A) of the cable tray (5A), and a central portion (6a, 6b) joining said two rigid end portions (3A) and providing a direction change angle between same. The linking part (1A) is a one-piece plastic part and its central portion (6a) comprises a plate-shaped section (7a) that is capable of experiencing elastic bending providing a variation of at least 30 degrees in the direction change angle.